Frederik Vesti, Mercedes’ promising junior driver, is set to take the wheel of the W14 during the first practice session (FP1) in Abu Dhabi. This opportunity follows his recent FP1 drive in Mexico and comes just before his participation in the Formula 2 Championship finale.
Catch up quick:
- Frederik Vesti, the 21-year-old Danish driver, will replace Lewis Hamilton in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
- Vesti is currently second in the FIA Formula 2 Championship standings, with a shot at the title in the upcoming final round.
- Following FP1, Vesti will also partake in a full day of testing with Mercedes at Yas Marina, gaining further F1 experience.
Go deeper:
Frederik Vesti is rapidly becoming a familiar face in the F1 paddock, having joined the Mercedes junior program in 2021. His upcoming stint in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks another significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Vesti’s previous FP1 session in Mexico saw him stepping into George Russell’s shoes, but this time he’ll be piloting Hamilton’s sleek W14, a testament to the trust the team places in his abilities.
Vesti’s excitement is palpable as he looks forward to returning to Yas Marina, a circuit he knows well, which should help him quickly get to grips with the car during the limited practice time. His recent performances in F2 have certainly turned heads, with five wins under his belt this season, positioning him as a strong contender for the championship against Sauber junior Thomas Pourchaire and DAMS’ Ayumu Iwasa.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, has praised Vesti’s smooth and effective run during his first FP1 session in Mexico. The team anticipates another solid performance from the young Dane in Abu Dhabi, despite the pressure of balancing his F2 commitments during a crucial championship weekend.
As the F1 and F2 seasons draw to a close, all eyes will be on Vesti, not only to see how he handles the W14 but also to gauge his potential as a future star in the pinnacle of motorsport. With such opportunities, Vesti’s path to a full-time F1 seat seems more tangible than ever.
Keep an eye on this space for more updates and don’t forget to follow the thrilling end to the F2 season, where Vesti could emerge as the new champion. And remember, for the latest F1 buzz, your social media feeds are your best pit stops!
